Can someone explain please....

[B00]

in simple English what "formal suspects" means and exactly what, if anything, it makes to the outcome of this dreadful story?

http://news.uk.msn.com/Madeleine-McCann-Missin g.aspx

[beryllium]

Hiya B00 :)

I read that the McCanns have to become formal suspects to have better legal representation. That will, I presume, bring them better protection in all aspects of this case.

It apparently works like that in Portugal, and they were asked to become 'arguida' for their own protection.

p.s. Thank you for your kind words over my MiL :) xxx

[beryllium]

oooh. B00. I'm a likkle bit worried about the post in B+S from silverdaler. Good idea or not???......

[Ethel]

I find it interesting that many people who believed that Robert Murat was obviously guilty because he was a formal suspect are now saying that being a formal suspect in a murder case in Portugal is merely for that person's own benefit and in no way indicates guilt.

I am not suggesting for one second this applies to beryllium, but it is just a general observation.

[beryllium]

lol Ethel :)
I had to read that twice!!! I don't think I've ever been a murder suspect in Portugal hehe....

It is, however, rather fascinating how the reporters twist and turn.....

[B00]

Ahhh right guys, thank you. Didn't understand the terminology, I wrongly presumed it made them seem more guilty, if that made sense!

Beryl- hope things are slowly improving at your end, not seen silverdalers post yet- should I be worried?

[beryllium]

well.... it is in all innocence silvers post, but...... I'm always wary of kids posting vids of themselves.

Buried MiL thursday, and it was heavy!!! but the party afterwards was brill, and I have a list of things for mr B to do to keep him busy lol ;) xxx

[beryllium]

oh blimey... scuse manners B00. Hows your arm?

[Goodsoulette]

Once they become a formal suspect they have a right to remain silent and to have legal representation, apparently not applied to witnesses.

[B00]

lol, just seen the post and video posted Beryl, think I may annoy silverdaler with my reply too, though it's not really intentional. I have to admit to being a bit old fashioned and I don't like seeing young children hitting others and it being deemed as funny, hope she's not offended by my opinion though.

I hope you and Mr Beryl are slowly getting over the death of your MIL, always difficult to know how to handle it isn't it when it's their relative and not yours? Take care xxx

And- getting back to the topic i originally posted about (i'm a bu88er for going off on a tangent!), i really hope they find poor Maddie soon either dead or hopefully alive so that there is a closure on this whole sorry dreadful case.

[B00]

lol- slowly getting their beryl now, specialist reckons the plastercast can come off in 3 weeks. I had a new cast fitted yesterday, they re-positioned my arm and gave me a very snazzy day-glow pink cast....lol.

[Pippa68]

I totally agree with you, Ethel.

Of course people believed Robert Murat to be guilty of abducting Maddie as he had child porn on his computer. Even though the McCann's are now formal suspects..the same status as Murat was, they couldn't possibly have anything to do with Maddie's disappearance could they?

[ELVIS68]

In simple English it means "We know it`s you ...but we`ve not enough evidence to charge you"

[B00]

Maybe it's because people would rather believe a stranger could harm a child than the parents pippa?

[Pippa68]

Oh yes, that is true BOO.

Having read countless cases on child abductions and murders in the past (I was a 'Private Detective' subscriber, you know ;o) nothing is unbelievable to me.

If the police found it necessary to name Robert Murat as a suspect then I don't see why the McCanns shouldn't either. As a parent I can see why it would be a distressing act, however I can also see why it is not only a necessary act for the McCanns in the legal representation way, it is also imperative that all avenues are explored. Surely the parents must know that there are parents who do murder their children?

Robert Murat's family were just as appalled at his 'arrest'. I just don't see why it is so different for them.

[B00]

yes i agree, however it must be devasting for them to know that they are being treated as being guilty if they are innocent. Having that to deal with along with their grief must be terrible- I truly don't envy them.

[Pippa68]

Yes ~ and because they are Maddie's parents of course it is worse for them, if they are innocent.

As I have said before when my daughter broke her arm I was being accused of doing it to her myself. I know this is different to murder..but I was still being accused of harming my own daughter. I was quite appalled, however knew it was necessary as there must be many children slipping through the net.

I feel the same way about this case. Maybe the police are doing this as they have nothing else to go on, I don't know..however I still feel that the McCanns, if innocent, should just let the police conduct this investigation ~ as they did with Murat.

[Le Chat]

Pippa - that is so awful! My son broke his leg twice aged 2 and 3 and dislocated his elbow 3 times. Never once did anyone at the hospital ever even look at me strangely, or imply that I had inflicted the injuries myself. You must have been devastated! x